Shelley Dowling-Holroyd lived a career most athletes only dream of. The sixth British woman ever to throw over 60 metres, English Schools record-holder, A World Championships competitor at 19, An Olympian before she turned 23, and then, in an instant, it was gone.

Two major accidents, a broken elbow, and years of fighting to keep her career alive eventually forced, Shelley out of the only life she had ever known. Not on her terms, not on her timeline, and not in a way she felt remotely ready for.

In this deeply honest conversation, Shelley opens up about the emotional crater that follows an involuntary retirement, the depression, the identity loss, the silence that comes when the structure disappears, and the moment she realised she no longer recognised herself.

But she also shares something even more powerful:

How she rebuilt her identity, rediscovered her purpose, and found belonging again through coaching and helping athletes with disabilities.

This episode is a masterclass in honesty, transition, resilience, and using your sporting past as a foundation, not a definition, for what comes next.

Key Themes & Lessons for Current Athletes:

• When retirement comes suddenly, the identity impact is real, and ignoring it only makes the fall harder

• Lost confidence, lost structure, lost purpose… these are normal, human responses, not personal failures

• Belonging matters, coaching and connection helped Shelley find herself again

• The discipline, resilience and emotional strength you gain in sport are transferable, you just need to recognise them

• Listen to older athletes, the warnings, the wisdom, the preparation they wish they’d done

• Funding doesn’t last forever, education and backup planning matter more than you think

• Your network is already huge, ask questions, be curious, use the doors your sport has opened

This is a powerful conversation for any athlete trying to understand who they are beyond their sport, and how to start building the next chapter with intention, not fear.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

Connect and Contact

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email: support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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